Hi,
I am using Zorin OS (core) since version 16.
Recently I upgrade my desktop and my laptop to Zorin 18.
Now both have the same (peculiar) problem.
Laptop:
Old version was originally Zorin OS 17. Upgraded to Zorin 18.
About once every week I have a problem.
The laptop starts Zorin 18 showing the log-on screen.
Normally I log on and Zorin shows the desktop.
But once a week after the log-on the screen Zorin does not proceed any further, but shows a blank/black screen.
If I do a restart then Zorin proceeds after the log-on screen showing the desktop. Problem solved.
Desktop:
Old version was originally Zorin OS 16. Upgraded a few years ago to Zorin 17.
A few months ago I upgraded from Zorin 17 to Zorin 18.
About once every week I have a problem.
The desktop starts Zorin 18 showing the log-on screen.
Normally I log on and Zorin shows the expected desktop.
But once a week I get a 'something went wrong' screen.
If I do a restart, Zorin proceeds normally without the 'something went wrong screen', but the taskbar is at the top of my screen and the desktop does not show anything.
If I go to the settings and go to ´Zorin Apperance', I select the desktop with the taskbar at the bottom.
All icons appear and the taskbar is moving to the bottom position.
Do these two problems have the same origin?
Were to look for a solution?
Could You post Your Hardware Specas please? Are Secure Boot and Fast Boot in BIOS disabled? Do the Zorin Installs run in Wayland or X11? You can check that with the Command echo $XDG_SESSION_TYPE
Did You tried it with a Reinstall of the Zorin Desktop? And/OR Zorin Appearance+Layouts?
Laptop Delll E7470, Intel Core i5 - 6300, 8GB, Intel Graphics, 500GB NVMe.
Secureboot: on.
Fastboot: Auto (others options minimal and thorough).
Runs Wayland.
Desktop Delll Optiplex 5070, Intel Core i5 - 9500T, 16GB, Intel Graphics, 256 NVMe, 1000GB SSD 2.5¨.
Secureboot: on.
Fastboot: Auto (others options minimal and thorough).
Runs X11.
I never tried a re-install of the desktop and/or other appearance+layouts.
Both configurations have proven to be very robust in use.
Never had any kind of problem or whatsoever.
And one thing extra concerning the desktop pc:
I just noticed that the programms that I had added to the taskbar 'Dash' disappeared. Only weather and Firefox remain.
This happened this morning..
And yes, it is very easy to add programms to the dash (again).
Thank you very much for the response.
Just a few questions:
Why disable secure boot?
I never had any problems with this setting.
Some experts advice to disable, some experts advice to enable secure boot.
Is this setting important for all Linux distributions like e.g. Lunux Mint?
Disabling secure boot might conlict when installing a dual boot system with Windows.
Is reinstalling the desktop without risk?
I maybe know more about Linux than the moderate user, but I might have to little knowledge resolving possible problems reinstalling the desktop.
For your information:
The same icon/shortcut disappeared on the laptop from the dash/taskbar as on the desktop: Thunderbird. Must have something to do with the announcement Thunderbird prompts when you start TB.
When disabling it, it can avoid Circumstances. It might be a bit intimidating to disable something that is called ''Secure Boot'' but it isn't a big Problem. It is so: This Module makes that only certified Software can start. And Microsoft certifies that. So, You would have to trust Microsoft here that they do a good Job. And when using Windows, it might be a nice Addition.
But for Linux, this isn't really important. And a lot of Stuff isn't certified, too. That can be an Issue if You should need a different/newer Kernel for Example. Or for Drivers that doesn't be certified. So, disabling that when using Linux makes it easier and don't lead to Circumstances.
There shouldn't be a Risk. Of Course a 100% Guarantee isn't possible.
I started with following your advices on the laptop.
First I reinstalled the desktop.
After rebooting the laptop the problem came back immediately.
So I went into the Bios and switched secure boot of.
Rebooted again, no problem.
The coming week I will keep an eye on it.
After the laptop I will focus on the desktop.